In order to have a successful VA disability claim, a service connection must be established, service connection proves that your condition was caused or worsened by your time in the military. This is essential to prove because the VA only gives compensation to veterans who have a condition related to their military time. A common condition among veterans is migraines. However, it can be difficult to prove a service connection for them. Since they aren’t a visible condition, there are often troubles diagnosing and linking migraines directly to service. Oftentimes, the migraines may even develop long after their military service. In this blog, we will help veterans understand how to prove service connection for migraines so they can navigate the process with confidence.
Common Causes of Migraines in Veterans
Veterans need to be aware of the different reasons why migraines could be linked to their military service so they can see what situation makes the most sense for them to prove a service connection in their claim. Below is a list of some common ways migraines can be linked to military service.
- Physical Injuries: One of the most common and direct causes of migraines in veterans is head injuries. Concussions or any other type of head trauma during service can lead to migraines in the future.
- Mental Health Conditions: Some mental health conditions, commonly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be linked to migraines. PTSD is a common condition among veterans who witnessed a traumatic event during service. Stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances can occur with PTSD, all of which can lead to migraines.
- Environmental Factors: Many veterans were exposed to environmental factors that can lead to migraines. A common example of this is exposure to loud noises (like gunfire or explosions) during service, this is a well-known migraine trigger.
Read More: 5 Common VA Disability Rules That You Need to Know
How to Provide Evidence for a Service Connection
In order for veterans to prove service connection for migraines, they need strong evidence. This evidence should provide a solid link between your migraines and military service that the VA can easily understand.
Here are the key types of evidence veterans should include in their VA disability claim for migraines:
- Medical Evidence: The first and most important piece of evidence veterans need to include in their claims is medical evidence. This can include doctor’s notes, hospital records, and treatments for migraines that show your diagnosis. You should also be sure to describe the frequency, severity, and impact on your daily life of the migraines.
- Nexus Letters: Nexus letters are letters from qualified medical professionals that state how your migraine is connected to your military service. It can talk about specific details of the condition, the history, and most importantly how it is connected to your service. This letter serves as an important piece of evidence because it comes directly from a healthcare professional who believes your condition is connected to your military time.
- Personal Statements: Personal statements are also a very valuable piece of evidence for your claim. They can be written by you or anyone who is close to you and familiar with your condition. These statements can strengthen your claim by offering insight into how the migraines impact your life and how they began.
- Buddy Statements: These statements are written by people who have served with you in the military and can speak for you about how your migraines began. Whether it was witnessing a head injury you experienced or noticing you struggling with migraines during service, this piece of evidence can provide another point of view as to how your migraines are connected to your service.
Strengthen Your VA Claim and Get the Benefits You Deserve
Service connection is key for VA disability claims. With migraines, this can be more of a struggle to prove since it isn’t a visible disability. However, with the right types of evidence, you can set yourself up for a successful claim. Medical records, obtaining a well-written nexus letter, providing a compelling personal statement, and securing buddy statements all can give your claim the strength it needs to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Need help with your VA disability claim? The experienced team at Tabak Law is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the support you need for a successful claim.
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